Knight-Enchanter Evelyn Trevelyan has devoted her life to showing the people of Thedas that mages are not the monsters they are made out to be. By working side-by-side with Templars for over 10 years, she had been given a chance to assist the Ostwick Templars outside of the Circle and advocate for reform within the Circle. Her mastery of fire magic and good reputation with the people of Thedas earned her the nickname, "The Phoenix."

"Well, well, her perfect record has a spot on it." Unlike Leliana, Cullen did not find other people's secrets entertaining. In fact, he felt like he was crossing some line.

Leliana raised an eyebrow after reading it to herself first. "It would seem the Knight-Enchanter made an enemy of a Templar - Ser Aeron. Their first altercation was a physical one. She claims he attempted to assault her whilst on a mission, and she hit him." He couldn't imagine anyone stupid enough to try that with her, and thought that the man was lucky that was all she did to him. "Later she reported that she believed he was stalking her, but since no proof was found it was dismissed. The last entry is dated the week prior to the fall of the Ostwick Circle. The incident was reported by another Templar who witnessed it. He reports, Ser Aeron, unprovoked, grabbed her by the hair, and slammed her against the wall repeatedly to the point blood was drawn. Trevelyan didn't fight back, she submitted to the punishment."

"Why would that be of any consequence?" Even though it was uncharacteristic of Evelyn to submit, he wanted to know why this incident was so fascinating to her. He knew the abuses mages suffered at times under Templars - under him.

"Because the rumors were that she began the uprising in the Circle after she was beaten publicly by a Templar."

"She told us she didn't start the uprising." They didn't have proof that said otherwise, but he knew Leliana did have a point.

"And you are just going to take her at her word? We had her cornered in a cell and we know she can play The Game."

"Leliana," Josephine sounded slightly annoyed, "may I remind you that she is one of us now. Let's try to give her some benefit of the doubt."

"My job is to detect threats and take them out before they can hurt the Inquisition, even if the threat is coming from within. Besides, she's still unconscious, how do we know when she does wake up if she'll willingly stay and help?" He was about to speak, but was glad Cassandra now spoke on her behalf.

"I know you are grieving for The Divine, we all are, but I truly believe she is innocent and will help us. Before she closed the Breach she was well aware she may die and tried anyway. Then in the memory we saw at the temple, The Divine called out to her for help while the one who killed her also called for the Knight-Enchanter's death. I agree with the Ambassador, we trust her until proven otherwise and hear what she has to say about her involvement in the uprising one more time." Cullen was quick to agree, hoping they could move on to other pressing matters.

"Fine. Then she can also explain why the Knight-Commander was found burnt to death in her room."

This is a Dragon Age Inquisition alternate-canon fanfiction. The characters and world of Thedas belong to Bioware.